Facts About Lavender

The writers of this column are not physicians and the ideas, procedures and suggestions are not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a trained health professional. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. In Canada, herbs and other natural health products are monitored by the Natural Health Products Directorate. For information on possible adverse reactions visit: www.healthcanada.ca/nhpd

Lavender - lavendula

Lavender although commonly found in gardens and herb farms across North America, is native to Africa, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. There are approximately 28 species of lavender all which belong to the Lamiaceae family. In Latin, the word lavender comes from ‘lavare’ meaning to cleanse and is characterized by its strong aromatic fragrance and attractive flower spikes ranging from blue, purple, and violet to white and pink. Lavender’s strong fragrance is at its greatest during flowering however the stem and leaves have powerful aromatic properties as well and can be harvested at any time.

Ideal growing conditions for the perennial involve dry, well-drained and stony soil, with access to a warm sun in order to reap the herb’s wonderful benefits.

Lavender has many decorative, culinary, cosmetic, aromatic, and medicinal uses. In addition to its common uses as soaps, perfumes and as a soothing relaxant, lavender is also a popular culinary herb in France. While English Lavender (Lavendula officinalis or angustifolia) is primarily used for perfumes and soaps, it is most often French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) that is used for cooking. It’s actually an essential ingredient in the spice mix les Fines Herbes de Provence. Les fines herbes mix is found in everything from steamed vegetables, soups, to roasts and pizza. In North America lavender is gaining popularity in baking, for example in lavender cookies, or tea biscuits.

For centuries lavender has been used as a medicinal herb and is said to have helped ward off the Plague in France during the Middle Ages. Up until the second World War oil of lavender was used as a disinfectant, speeding up the healing of wounds. Historically bunches of lavender were used around the home to ward off insects and today lavender oil is used as an organic insecticide. In the garden, lavender is an excellent natural controller of pests that are bothersome to nearby herbs.

Possible Health Benefits

Lavender has many medicinal properties and can be used as an antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, antidepressant, to ease anxiety, as a diuretic, sedative, stimulant, tonic, relaxant, antibacterial, antiseptic, and as an expectorant. Lavender can also be used as a mouthwash for halitosis, and externally for headaches, cold sores, inflammation, sore muscles and burns. Steeped lavender leaves are great as a tonic for stomach problems like indigestion and nausea.

Lavender is such a magical herb, one reader shares her experiences."When my babies were ill, bathing them often in lavender baths kept their little bodies cooled without breaking the fevers, which would have made their illnesses last longer. Within 24 hours, they were back on their feet like before. Talk about magic and power! On vacations lavender has saved us from sleepless nights, bee bite allergies, fevers, colds, sore throats, bronchitis... even hangovers.

Lavender is available in many forms:

Ø Tea

Ø Essential Oil

Ø Tinctures

The leaves can also be used in its unprocessed form either fresh or dried in various recipes. Lavender is also found in many antiseptics, perfumes, lotions, powders, deodorants, insect repellents, and potpourri.

All parts hold their fragrance very well when dried, and English lavenders become much sweeter in aroma as they dry.

Drug Herb Interactions

At the time of research no interactions could be found.

Precaution

Lavender should be avoided during pregnancy.

Herb Web Watch

To learn how to make lavender bread and other recipes check out:

http//:www.gardenguides.com/recipes/lavenderherbread.htm

Possible Health Benefits

Drug Herb Interactions

Precaution

Herb Web Watch

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